Reduction of Ilmenite and Ilmenite Ores

Abstract

In recent years there has been a rising interest in the solid state reduction of ilmenite ores. This interest is linked with the processes for the production of synthetic rutile which involve the selective reduction of the iron oxides present to the metallic state. The metallic iron can then be removed, by various means (1–4), leaving behind a high grade TiO2 concentrate. This TiO2 concentrate can substitute for natural rutile as a raw material for chlorination.